[This is a First Friday post by Paul Merrill]

The Apostle Paul said,

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” (Philippians 4:6)

When I was a kid, I memorized this in the King James Version, which says, “Be anxious for nothing…” I guess I like that better.

So here are some very quick ideas for you on when to pray about everything:

1.  Pray when you’re in the car alone. (Turn off the radio.)

2.  Pray when you’re in the car with someone else.

3.  Pray when God brings a friend in need to mind. Right then.

4.  Pray when you wake up before the alarm.

5.  Thank God when something bad happens.

6.  Thank God when something good happens.

7.  Pray when it starts snowing to thank God for that beauty.

8.  Pray when it’s raining to thank God for the land getting water. (Pray like a farmer.)

9.  Pray when it’s sunny to thank God for the energy plants are getting.

10 . Pray when there’s a huge storm to thank God for His great power.

11.  Pray before the meal to thank God for the food.

12.  Pray after the meal to ask God for health. (The food may not have been that healthy!)

13.  Pray when you see someone you think is beyond hope,  for God to bless that person.

14.  Pray when you watch TV, for God to touch the lives of those you see on screen.

15. Ask God to provide for what you need. God knows if it’s really what you need, so don’t worry about figuring out whether it’s a want or a need. Just ask.

16. Pray for your boss.

17. Pray for those who work for or with you.

18. Pray when you get up.

19. Pray when you lay down.

20. Pray when you can’t think of what to write.

In short, “Never stop praying.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)